This year, the Riga municipal police fined more than 10,000 drivers for driving on public transport lanes

This year, the Riga Municipal Police (RPP) fined more than 10,000 drivers who drove illegally on public transport lanes, the RPP informed.

99% of these violations were recorded by RPP mobile video surveillance cameras. RPP has been using mobile video surveillance cameras for recording various offenses for several years, but since the fall of 2023 they have been increasingly used to control compliance with various traffic rules, including fair use of public transport lanes.

RPP regularly changes the locations of these cameras. Since last autumn, decisions on the application of penalties for violations recorded by mobile video surveillance cameras have been made remotely and sent to drivers electronically or by mail.

According to RPP, mobile video surveillance cameras discipline drivers not to violate road traffic rules and contribute to the fact that “Riga residents who travel by public transport on a daily basis can reach their destination as planned”.

Passenger public transport, taxis, electric cars, two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles, as well as all emergency vehicles, may move along the lane intended for public vehicles. On the other hand, bicycles and electric scooters may be driven on a public lane only in cases where an additional sign has been installed that allows it.

The Road Traffic Act stipulates a fine of 40 euros for driving on a public transport lane.

In general, this year RPP has already found almost 18,000 different violations related to non-observance of traffic rules.

Marijas street, Riga. Photo: Cynthia Zanderson/LETA